Is the Vance Hotel Haunted?
Ghost hunters are always looking for a haunted spot guaranteed to provide paranormal activity. That’s probably why, in Statesville, the number one request by these “spirit-chasers” is a visit to the Vance Hotel. What they really want to see is the little girl, dressed in white, soaking wet from her head to her feet, standing in the hallway and then suddenly disappearing. She’s a legend around here, seen by hotel staff, guests and even the crew filming part of George Clooney’s movie “Leatherheads”.
But, even though entry into the Vance Hotel is not possible due to unsafe structural conditions, just being near the 1922-era building is enough to give most people the willies! That’s because, for decades, employees have witnessed translucent apparitions floating down the stairs, hovering near the lobby, traveling from floor to floor – sometimes quietly, sometimes with low moans. Guests discovered their items mysteriously moved from one location to another upon returning to their rooms.
The chance to stand outside the entrance doors, peer into the large glass front windows and walk through the dim alleyway always bring chill bumps … and questions. Where did these ghosts come from? Who is the little girl? How many people have died in the hotel? Who were the man and little girl dressed in olden-day clothes recently seen walking in the basement?
The Vance Hotel has tales to be told and you are invited to hear them all as part of Downtown Statesville’s Haunted Ghost Tours. These tours are hosted on the fourth Saturday of each month by the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, The Historic Sharpe House, The Sharpe House Historic Players and The City of Statesville. For more information and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE.
Photos courtesy of Statesville Historical Collection
